Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 232 = LM 2-292, along with NGC 230 and 235, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His position essentially matches ESO 474-015 = PGC 2559, but Herbert Howe measured a precise position in 1898-99 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).

400/500mm - 17.5" (12/3/88): faint, very small, round, weak concentration. Forms a trio with NGC 235A NGC 235B 2.5' NE. Extremely difficult NGC 230 lies 6' SW (see notes of 10/4/97).

600/800mm - 24" (12/22/14): at 260x; fairly faint, fairly small, round, 24" diameter, weak concentration. NGC 235/235B lies 2.0' NE and NGC 230 is 6' SW.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb